What does rupture mean?
A rupture is a sudden break, tear, or bursting, especially in a bodily organ, blood vessel, or membrane. The word also describes the breakdown of a relationship or agreement, as in a “rupture in diplomatic relations.” As a verb, “rupture” means to break or burst suddenly, or to bring such a breakdown about. It is associated with events that happen forcefully and without warning, rather than gradual wear or change. In medical contexts, the term is especially useful for describing the rupture of an artery, tendon, or eardrum, while in political and legal contexts it conveys the serious final break in communication, negotiations, or peace. Although the word can sound formal or technical, it is widely understood and appears in journalism, medicine, law, and everyday discussion.
A sudden break, tear, or bursting, especially in bodily tissue or a vessel; also a serious breakdown in a relationship or agreement.
"The injury was a minor rupture of the eardrum."
In medical and technical contexts, it usually describes a physical tear or break. Figuratively, it often describes the end of diplomatic, commercial, or personal relations.
To break or burst suddenly, or to cause a relationship, communication, or agreement to end abruptly.
"The pipe ruptured in the freezing weather."
The verb can be transitive or intransitive. In figurative use, it often implies that continued strain or conflict has produced a final breakdown.
The plural is used for individual breaks or tears and for separate instances of a relationship or agreement breaking down.
"Doctors identified several small ruptures in the tissue."
From the Latin for “to break,” rupture captures the moment when something that held together suddenly gives way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rupture come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin rumpere, meaning “to break” or “burst.” Its Latin past participle ruptus contributed to several English words, including erupt, corrupt, and bankrupt. In English, rupture developed both a physical sense of bursting and a figurative sense of a relationship or agreement breaking apart.
Related word forms
How rupture is actually used
In medicine, “rupture” commonly refers to the tearing or bursting of tissue, such as an artery, tendon, or membrane. In political and legal contexts, it describes a serious breakdown in relations or an agreement. The verb is relatively formal, though common in news and technical writing.
Easily confused with rupture
A rupture is a breaking or bursting apart, whereas rapture means intense joy or ecstasy.